Beloved runDisney Legend Passes Away - Never To Be Forgotten
The running community and the runDisney family are in mourning as a runDisney legend has just passed away. We will forever remember the impact that Jeff Galloway has left not only on the runDisney family but the entire running community.
Jeff Galloway
Jeff Galloway was a former Olympian and the official training consultant for runDisney. He helped millions of people fall in love with running by using the run-walk-run method. This method was also known as the "Galloway Method" or "Jeffing it."
He was a lifelong running enthusiast.
Jeff also wrote numerous books (including the bestseller Galloway's Book on Running), was a magazine columnist, owned a consulting business, and operated two running stores.
Jeff Galloway Passes Away at 80 Years of Age
Yesterday, the Galloway family shared that Jeff Galloway passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, February, 25, 2026. You can see the post from his family below:
Jeff Galloway passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
It is reported by Runner's World that he passed away from complications from a stroke and brain bleeding.
Jeff Galloway and runDisney
Jeff Galloway is a large part of the runDisney community and was the official training consultant for runDisney. This weekend's Princess Half Marathon Weekend will have a different tone. Jeff inspired so many runners and athletes from all walks of life to feel they could accomplish anything and no distance was impossible!
"It is my mission to help others avoid the aches and pains while experiencing the feelings of accomplishment and pride that running can provide."
-Jeff Galloway
Athletes, like myself, have had Jeff make a HUGE impact on their life. Jeff inspired me to try the Galloway Method, and it helped me finish with my best times, strong legs, and less fatigue! I always looked for him at the Finish Line stretch of every runDisney race as he was there cheering in ALL the athletes. I will continue to use his run-walk-run method this weekend, and remember his impact every step of each race.
"I've not found any experience which offers the high level of satisfaction, accomplishment and self-respect as one receives from finishing a marathon-at any speed."
-Jeff Galloway
As his family said on Instagram, "He is survived by every person who ever crossed a finish line and thought, 'I didn't think I could do this'. Run easy. Walk proud. And thank you, Jeff, for always believing in every one of us."
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Galloway family and the running community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather loves all things Disney! She loves visiting her "home" as a Disney Vacation Club Member or participating in a runDisney event!
He was our biggest cheerleader, he has helped so many people with kindness and believing in each one of us! Words can't describe the gratitude and thankfulness that I have for this great man! I will think of him every time I cross a finish line.
Same! He was an amazing person. I love his run-walk-run method, it has truly made a difference in my running! I loved that he cheered on everyone. I will continue to think of him as well with every run and finish line I cross!
I always loved seeing him just before the finish line, encouraging you and taking selfies.
Me too! He made a huge impact on the running community and the runDisney family. He will be greatly missed.